Accident description
Last updated: 23 May 2013
| Status: | Final |
| Date: | 26 MAR 1955 |
| Time: | 11:12 PST |
| Type: | Boeing 377 Stratocruiser 10-26 |
| Operator: | Pan American World Airways |
| Registration: | N1032V |
| C/n / msn: | 15932 |
| First flight: | 1949 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 13655 |
| Engines: | 4 Pratt & Whitney R-4360-B6 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 8 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 15 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 23 |
| Airplane damage: | Written off |
| Airplane fate: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
| Location: | 56 km (35 mls) W off Oregon, USA (Pacific Ocean)
 |
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Domestic Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Portland International Airport, OR (PDX/KPDX), United States of America |
| Honolulu International Airport, HI (HNL/PHNL), United States of America |
The no. 3 engine and propeller tore loose from the wing, causing severe control difficulties. The aircraft was eventually ditched 35 miles off the Oregon coast. The Boeing, named "Clipper United States", sank after 20 minutes in water of about 1600m deep.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "Loss of control and inability to maintain altitude following failure of the no.3 propeller which resulted in wrenching free no.3 power package." Events:
Sources:
» Aviation Disasters / D. Gero
» ICAO Accident Digest Circular 50-AN/45 (92-96)
Follow-up / safety actions
The Civil Aeronautics Administration issued an advisory that Stratocruiser hollow steel propeller blades be replaced with solid metal blades.
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Portland International Airport, OR to Honolulu International Airport, HI as the crow flies is 4159 km (2599 miles).
Distance from Portland International Airport, OR to Honolulu International Airport, HI as the crow flies is 4159 km (2599 miles).
